Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting stories of mothers who were able to give birth free of charge at Rutasoka Clinic in Congo during the current pandemic and the floods that hit the country. We want to show you what a small coffee purchase can mean for a family in Congo.
It is April and the rainy season has begun in the city of Ulvira in Congo, a rainy season that will continue until May. The 3 rivers that run through the city are filling up at an alarming rate, more and more. On April 21, the rivers burst and the water rushes carefree through the city's streets. 46 people lose their lives and over 3,600 homes are destroyed. There is extensive material damage and many possessions are washed away, possessions that for many are difficult to get back. When the water enters the streets and destroys everything in its path, a certain amount of anxiety arises in the heavily pregnant Chito, Chito who is about to become a mother for the 6th time. Because, in addition to the floods that are hitting her family hard, there is also the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
When her water breaks, Chito calls her husband, who helps her get to Rutasoka Clinic. She is fully dilated when examined by the midwife, and it doesn't take long for Chito's 6th child and third daughter to see the light of day.
Chito talks about when they found out they were given free food, what it means to her and her family, and how grateful they are for the initiative.
Listen to the interview with Chito:
